From the moment you pick up the IMX Pro 7 11’11” you know this rod is different. It redefines lightweight while also maintaining a strong enough rod to turn big fish in heavy water. Where I used to think a 13′ 7wt and a 9′ 8wt with a single hand skagit line were the perfect quiver on a number of Washington rivers, I now think the compact modern “Short Spey” will take the place of both.

This is the first short spey of it’s kind and I do differentiate this from other switch rods. THIS IS NOT A SWITCH ROD! This is the next generation of Spey rods that marry’s the feel of a 13′ rod with the fast action necessary of modern short skagit heads.

The first time I cast this rod was with a 480 grain Skagit Scout line (18.5′) and 44lb Impact mono running line and there wasn’t a situation this rod struggled with. We fished the Deschutes for two day’s in high water and cast a number of tips effortlessly including: 10′ Flo Tips in the t-10 and t-14 ranges as well as straight sections up to 12’ in t-10 and t-14. We battled high winds as well as cold temperatures and were able to feel a few nice tugs on the end of our line. (Since that trip, I have enjoyed fishing the 480 grain Skagit Switch line, just a foot longer than the Scout at 19.5’.

When you cast this rod, you seem to forget how compact it is until you find yourself tucked under overhanging trees and wading deep, tight against the bank.

The other thing you can’t seem to believe is the price of this rod. Compared to other rods in excess of $1000, this rod excels. For $575, this rod is a home run and one that I can’t wait to get out and fish. A component I typically overlook on other spey rods is the reel seat. However, on this one you are drawn in by its modern looks, sleek design, and smoothness.

For those gearing up for our winter run fish, the 7wt is the perfect addition to your existing lineup or a single rod quiver for the new spey angler.

As for trout spey, I think you can stop searching once you land on the IMX Pro 4wt 11’11”. This rod has all the power you could want but still has some major play when fighting a fish. For those searching for the lightest rod, that can still throw big streamers and heavy sink tips, the 3wt can be another great option. Karlie Roland prefers the 3wt.

As for the con’s associated with this rod, it is hard to come by. We literally cant keep these on the shelf. If there was one thing that I had to change, it would be the bottom grip, I prefer a slightly larger knob but that is one that you quickly forget once fishing! GLoomis knocked this one out of the park.

November 9, 2017 — Our Two Hands Movie Premier — Admiral Theater — 7pm – $10 or $15 at doorOur Two Hands is an examination of the underlying cause of this decline, as well as the innovative voices in the angling community and general public fighting for a wild fish future in the Pacific Northwest. Purchase tickets here:

November 16, 2017 — Writer’s on the Fly – Cascadia Tour — EWA Store — 7PM– $10
What has become one of our most popular events, come see some of the industry’s most heralded authors and poets infuse their words with personality before your eyes. Greg Fitz, Jon Toby, Amanda Monthei and Ann Bodle-Nash will be reading that evening here at the store, please join us and purchase tickets here:

Februry 10, 2018 – EWA Spey Day — Ben Howard boat launch from 9am-2pm – FREE
Come cast as many different spey rods, lines and heads as you possibly can in a day under the watchful eye of industry reps, EWA Staff and regional casting pros.

January 18th, 2018 – 3rd Annual EWA Fly Film Fest – 7pm – $10
Come see 5 minute or shorter videos from industry professionals and amateurs alike. Winner by audience vote will play at the West Seattle F3T event in early February.

February 7th & 8th, 2018 – Fly Fishing Film Tour – 7pm – $15
The annual industry infusion of hype to get you through the winter. Great films, huge raffle with trips, rods, coolers, sunglasses and other swag for those willing to show up, enjoy a beer and hang out! Final dates for Seattle still being determined.

February 17th-18th, 2018 – The Fly Fishing Show in Lynwood – $15
Great opportunity to come cast some of the latest models of rods, see presentations on fisheries around WA, PNW and the world. Dave McCoy will be presenting on Fly Fishing Around Washington. Visit our booth for some swag on the days of the show.

June 2nd, 2018 – EWA Fly Fest @ Me Kwa Mooks Park in West Seattle – FREEWhat has become quite an event continues to grow. Cast every rod available from Winston, Sage, Scott, Loomis, Epic, Echo, Fenwick and Thomas and Thomas. See the latest in reels from Nautilus, Bauer, Lamson, Sage, Tibor, 3 Tand and more as well as put new lines on your favorite rod. Instruction, classes, seminars and our 11th Annual Guide Staff Cook Off.

January 14-15, 2017 – Spey Casting w/ Dec Hogan $250 per angler/per day
Spend a day with the legendary spey caster, rod designer, conservationist and world renowned steelhead whisperer. Dec will talk all things spey from dropping that loop to which head and tip for what type of water and finally how to successfully play and land these majestic fish when solo with a two hander. This class will be conducted on the water on one of our local steelhead rivers, most likely the Skykomish, river conditions depending. Space is limited so sign up now! To sign up email shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or call 206-708-7250.

January 20, 2017 – 2nd Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Here we go again, our crazy evening of fly fishing shorts is on again. Pretty sure we can get the winner this year again shown at the F3T here at our West Seattle showing in early Feb. RSVP via email: shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or phone: 206-708-7250

February 1 & 2, 2017 – F3T in West Seattle (Feb. 2) at the Admiral and downtown at SIFF (Feb.1)
The crew will be here sporting the latest in fly fishing film eye candy from around the world. More details to come soon but keep an eye on these dates.

February 3, 2017 – Women’s Meet and Greet @ EWA Store 7 – 9PM – FREE
Come meet our newest staff member and Women’s Program Director, Karlie Roland. Sit down, enjoy some wine or beer and finger foods, chat fly fishing and private shop. Karlie will lay out her plans for the program moving forward and also listen to ideas from you on. Schools, outings, celebrity clinics and hosted travel are all on the radar…what else?

February 11, 2017 – EWA Spey Clave – Ben Howard Boat Launch on the Skykomish River – 10AM – 3PM – FREEOur area needed it so he we go. We are bringing our favorite two handed rod companies together to provide an on water demo and instruction session for those new to the spey game and those looking to try a number of rods side by side so they can make an informed purchase.

June 3, 2017 – 3rd Annual EWA Fly Fest and Guide Cook Off – 10AM – 4PM @ Me Kwa Mooks Park – West Seattle – FREE
The event we look forward to every year. Come join us for a fun day in the sun. Manufacturers reps are on hand to show off all the latest rod models from Winston, Sage, Scott, Echo, GLoomis and others, clinics by our talented EWA staff on the Sound, small mountain streams and steelhead. A host of IFFF certified instructors will be on hand as well. This will be our 10th Annual Guide Staff Cook Off where our guide team competes for the greatest shore lunch. 30 minutes and $40 to feed 3 people and you get to help choose the winner!

Upcoming Schools and Clinics

Tying Tuesdays!

We are launching a new fly tying series, “Tying Tuesdays”. As the name suggests, these will take place on select Tuesday nights and will focus on specialty fly tying topics. These classes are designed to introduce specific styles of tying to students with some tying experience – by no means do you have to be an expert to attend! Materials included. Max 6 students. To sign up email shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or call 206-708-7250. $40

Women’s Intro to Fly Casting – Karlie will be holding free fly casting classes starting December 10th and then every first Saturday of the month thereafter. During this intro class you will learn the basics of casting and proper technique to maintain a clean, accurate cast. Great for the beginners and novices looking for a refresher. You can sign up by e-mailing karlie@emeraldwateranglers.com, or calling the shop at 206-708-7250. MAX 6 people.

Intro to Fly Casting – This one hour group fly casting class is designed for first time or novice fly anglers. No experience, no problem! Our FFF certified casting instructors will have you competently casting a fly rod in no time at all! All equipment can be provided for class. To sign up email shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or call 206-708-7250. FREE

January 7th and 21st – 9am @ Lincoln Park in West Seattle

Intro to Fly Fishing Schools – 1 Day Classroom/On Water – All Equipment Provided – $195
These are the most comprehensive and intimate “how to” fly fishing school you will find in the region. We cap these schools at 3 per schools so we can have as much time as possible with you during the class. We teach from our own manual which we provide a digital copy of and cover casting, line management, essential knots, how to select flies based on entomology and answer all questions you might have throughout. Here are the current dates:January 21, 2017February 18, 2017March 11, 2017April 8, 2017

We are crazy excited to announce we have finally hired our Women’s Program Coordinator which means our women’s events will be coming back beginning in December so stay tuned.

November 3rd – Writers on the Fly, “The Cascadia Tour” – 7pm to REAL Late @EWA – FREE 75 attendees maximum
Maybe our favorite event is back but in full throttle mode! We will be hosting 1 of 5 stops on the week long PNW tour with different readers in each location. Because of the popularity of this event over the past couple years and so we can get the writers some $$ for their appearance, we are charging for this event. Tickets will go on sale here shortly and will be expected to sell out. If you want on the list for this, please RSVP via email to Jason@emeraldwateranglers.com. Sponsored in part by Patagonia and Patagonia Books.

November 17th – Cuba, Now Open to the U.S. – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come listen to long time fly fishing industry personality and photographer Jon Covich discuss the various regions Cuba has to offer and what to expect at each one. This will hands down be the best opportunity to Q&A one of the most knowledgeable people on this topic if you were considering a trip here.

December 7th – WDFW Salmon Management, North of Falcon – Ryan Lothrop – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come join us for the inside perspective on how WDFW obtains their science and how they use it to make management decisions. Ryan Lothrop, Puget Sound Recreational Salmon Fishery Manager will talk about this and the issue surrounding our favorite fishery as well as answer questions. Please RSVP to this event via email or phone.

January 14-15, 2017 – Spey Casting w/ Dec Hogan $250 per angler/per day
Spend a day with the legendary spey caster, rod designer, conservationist and world renowned steelhead whisperer. Dec will talk all things spey from dropping that loop to which head and tip for what type of water and finally how to successfully play and land these majestic fish when solo with a two hander. He might even go spend some time doing casting instruction with us too. Space is limited so sign up now!

January 20, 2017 – 2nd Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Here we go again, our crazy evening of fly fishing shorts is on again. Pretty sure we can get the winner this year again shown at the F3T here at our West Seattle showing in early Feb. RSVP via email: shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or phone: 206-708-7250

February 1 & 2, 2017 (yet to be confirmed) – F3T in West Seattle at the Admiral and downtown at SIFF
The crew will be here sporting the latest in fly fishing film eye candy from around the world. More details to come soon but keep an eye on these dates.

This is a Winston Biii Plus fly rod review and is intended to be informative and as objective as possible for the sake of being helpful to those researching the high end, faster action rod market.

Most of the casting/fishing with these rods has been done with a variety of Airflo lines such as the following as well as a smattering of other manufacturers lines:

Winston Boron III Plus 9′ 6wt – Exceed, Elite and Cold Saltwater
Winston Boron III Plus 9′ 8wt – Bruce Chard, Bonefish
Winston Boron III Plus 9′ 10wt – Bruce Chard, Permit
Winston Boron III Plus 9′ 12wt – Bruce Chard, Tarpon
I have spent a lot of time, in many different locations and fishing scenarios from here in Seattle to all corners of the earth in cold, lukewarm and tropical water. During these times, every chance I have to take a swing with a different rod I do so. As a guide, casting instructor and store owner I feel strongly that is behooves me to know each rod on the market whether we carry it or not. I own the B3+ rod in the 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weights so I can attest to most of the line up…these rods are absolute money from top of the line to the bottom.

Think about all the different situations you find yourself in while fishing. From a super short dollop cast to permit that quickly appear out of nowhere to a long light presentation cast across a windless lake to sipping trout. Then there is the bread and butter, those casts whether on a trout stream or anywhere else where you are casting and using the rod/line in THE ZONE, that sweet spot most rods are built for, 30-50 feet.
The industry is readjusting after a period of building rods way too fast for most anglers to be able to handle. Forcing those who fell victim to the marketing machine to literally throw their rod…not cast it. It wasn’t an obvious change but now we are seeing all or most of the manufacturers step back to a place where “FAST” or “TIP FLEX” is something the average angler can still feel when making casts in the zone. All in all this a great thing and it has pitted most of the major rod builders more against each other as now there are a number of great rods in this same class. That being said, the B3+ marries the most important qualities together perfectly.

I want to see a rod without being over lined be able to make a precise cast at 15-20 feet and still be able to feel the tip load and unload without having to over exert the stroke. The B3+ excels at this at all the line weights…check!
The bread and butter casts are those all important ones, the ones where your fish of a lifetime come from when you least expect it. Anglers should feel as though they are not having to think about these casts, 25-45 feet should be as easy as walking. Obviously anglers have varying casting strokes and enjoy a different feel to their rod. I look for a rod that can accommodate a variety of different lines. Not just for various applications such as bass versus spring creeks but also to manipulate the rod to fit what the angler is looking to feel from it. Classic taper to aggressive shooting head lines, these rods handle them quite well making this a versatile stick. Check!
Now to the fun aspects of choosing a rod. Can these sticks carry a lot of line, long leader and a fly well, delivering tight loops into wind then immediately hook up and be tested into the deep backbone? Yes and yes. I am not saying these rods do this and others don’t. What I am saying is as a complete package of a rod that can perform all these tasks well, I have found few that match them side by side in each category. Think of this like a competition where you would have to perform short accurate casts as well as distance, these rods kick rump.
Add a double haul to these rods with any line and they come alive. Being able to feel the line speed accelerate allows the angler to back off the power infusion and allow the rod to do the work for you. At a distance of 30-40 feet, across the board these rods will pick line up off the water well enough to be in the right position for most anglers to easily end up in their normal casting stroke even with heavier flies.

I always tell people it is akin to corporation. You as the angler are the board of directors, your rod is your CEO and the line is your company. As a board, you do your due diligence to hire a CEO you think is good for your company, give them specific goals or directions you want the company to move in and then step back and allow them to do so. I watch too many anglers micromanage their CEO and end up with a poorly run company.

At the end of the day, you can change the outcome of your cast with the line you match on your rod but by doing so for a particular fishing situation does that negatively effect how it performs in other situations when needed with that same line. If so, find yourself a place where you can legitimately cast side by side as many of the rods you are thinking of and see which one you come away with.

September 8th – Getting into Spey Casting – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Reid Curry will address the myriad of lines, head, knots, rods, spey vs switch and so on making this facet of the sport so confusing for the entry level two handed angler. It isn’t that complicated and Reid will pave the way for those looking to step in the door of the spey world.

September 22nd – Fall Fishing in Washington and Beyond – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Reid Curry, Dave McCoy and other EWA staff will discuss the road map of fall and early winter fishing in our great state as well as the region and even internationally if we want to go that far! Should be a very informative event, look forward to seeing everyone there.

September 27th – Fall Sea Run Fishing – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Long time guide and EWA staffer Alex Collier will breeze through the saltwater game around here by talking flies, lines, rods/reels, leaders and poly leaders and how they can all play a part in your success on the Sound this fall and moving into winter.

October 13th – SAGE Happy Hour – 7pm to ??? @EWA – FREE
Sage Fly Rods will be here with Russell Miller and others to talk about their new sticks and otherwise pump everyone up for fishing this fall and winter. Come in and chat about everything from light creek rods to spey to tropical saltwater and everything in between. Beverages on hand as well.

November 3rd – Writers on the Fly, “The Tour” – 7pm to REAL Late @EWA – FREE 75 attendees maximum
Maybe our favorite event is back but in full throttle mode! We will be hosting 1 of 5 stops on the week long PNW tour with different readers in each location. Because of the popularity of this event over the past couple years and so we can get the writers some $$ for their appearance, we are charging for this event. Tickets will go on sale here shortly and will be expected to sell out. If you want on the list for this, please RSVP via email to Jason@emeraldwateranglers.com. Sponsored in part by Patagonia and Patagonia Books.

November 17th – Cuba, Now Open to the U.S. – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come listen to long time fly fishing industry personality and photographer Jon Covich discuss the various regions Cuba has to offer and what to expect at each one. This will hands down be the best opportunity to Q&A one of the most knowledgeable people on this topic if you were considering a trip here.

December 7th – WDFW Salmon Management, North of Falcon – Ryan Lothrop – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come join us for the inside perspective on how WDFW obtains their science and how they use it to make management decisions. Ryan Lothrop, Puget Sound Recreational Salmon Fishery Manager will talk about this and the issue surrounding our favorite fishery as well as answer questions. Please RSVP to this event via email or phone.

January 14-15, 2017 – Spey Casting w/ Dec Hogan $250 per angler/per day
Spend a day with the legendary spey caster, rod designer, conservationist and world renowned steelhead whisperer. Dec will talk all things spey from dropping that loop to which head and tip for what type of water and finally how to successfully play and land these majestic fish when solo with a two hander. He might even go spend some time doing casting instruction with us too. Space is limited so sign up now!

January 20, 2017 – 2nd Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Here we go again, our crazy evening of fly fishing shorts is on again. Pretty sure we can get the winner this year again shown at the F3T here at our West Seattle showing in early Feb. RSVP via email: shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or phone: 206-708-7250

February 1 & 2, 2017 (yet to be confirmed) – F3T in West Seattle at the Admiral and downtown at SIFF
The crew will be here sporting the latest in fly fishing film eye candy from around the world. More details to come soon but keep an eye on these dates.

February 3rd, 2016 — Fly Fishing Film Tour @Admiral Theater, West Seattle — 7pm – 10pm — $15
Yes, you read this correctly! We are very excited to bring the F3T to West Seattle this year and every year afterwards so we don’t have to leave the island for it! As usual, big pre event the week before at our store and also night of, location TBD but we will intermingle with the filmmakers and the raffle will be huge so you won’t want to miss this. We will have tickets for sale at the store here soon so stay in touch.

February 11th, 2016 — Writer’s on the Fly, Installment #7 — @ EWA Store — 7pm – 9pm — FREE
One of the most exciting events to emerge from the fly fishing industry in the past generation. Enjoy the live reading from some of your favorite authors, their words in their voice and some of the stories behind the stories. An intimate experience you can only have here at Emerald Water Anglers.

February 13th – 14th, 2016 — The Fly Fishing Show — Lynwood Convention Center
Very excited to be partnering with Costa for this show this year. We will have staff on hand to answer questions on the multitude of fisheries in Washington we guide as well as discuss new locations for our international hosted travel. Look forward to seeing everyone there. Dave McCoy will be presenting daily on Fly Fishing Western Washington as well.

March 17th, 2016 — Greenland Fly Fishing — Johann Olafsson, Angling Club Lax-a — 7pm — FREE
This will be one of the most unique presentations to occur at EWA this year. A few years ago, our friends at Angling Club Lax-a in Iceland located, researched and developed a unique fly fishing camp on the southern tip of Greenland. In pursuit of Arctic Char, this is a fishery in its infancy and we are hosting a trip here August 2-9, 2016 with only 4 spaces left. This will be an exclusive opportunity to see if this is your next big trip or simply experience the iceberg filled waters of a new destination.

April 29th – 30th, 2016 — IFFF Show — Ellensburg — 9am – 5pm
We will be man/womaning a booth at the long standing IFFF trade and fly tying show in Ellensburg which occurs in April this year. One or more of our staff will likely be teaching specific classes as well as presenting on various topics we spend much of our time on. These are yet to be determined and will be changed on here once we finalize details.

May 5th, 2016 — ReWilding Washington — Chase Gunnell — 7pm — FREE
Chase is with Conservation Northwest and will be presenting on the regaining of wild and native species across our wonderful state. The concept is to provide an overview of how we have a unique opportunity in Washington to restore some of our most iconic wildlife species, protect and connect wild habitat across the region, and in turn provide a host of benefits for other animals, fish and people. And all of this is possible, and happening right now, even with the rapid population growth and development occurring in our state. Species will include lynx, wolverine and wolf among others, this will be a must see for the youth in your life.

May 13th & 14th, 2016 — Spey Casting with Dec Hogan — 9am – 3pm — $280 per person — 6 Max per day
Come spend a day with a legend, Dec Hogan as he helps you fine tune your spey casting and shares stories of his colorful guiding adventures here in the PNW. Dec is a long time friend and one of the true Ambassadors of our sport. 2 different sessions with meet and greet, book signing and beverages at the the store on the evening of the 13th. This will fill quickly so please reserve your space now, lunch and equipment provided if desired.

June 4th, 2016 — EWA Fly Fest and Guide Cook Off — Location TBA — 10am – 4pm — FREE
Never to late to plan for this. Our 2nd annual Fly Fest coupled with our 9th annual guide staff cook off was a huge success last year and we expect it to be more so this coming year. Come test cast all the rods we have in the store from Winston, Scott, Echo, Epic, Fenwick, Gary Anderson and more. All sales reps and our FFF certified staff will be on hand to provide free casting advice. Not to be missed is Abbie Schuster defending her championship plate from last year against the rest of the staff in our cook off which also provides some fabulous finger food mid day. RSVP at the store via email or phone.

In angling, at best, we just barely scratch the surface. We stand in the river or on a beach, yet remain on the outskirts, dashing in here or there, each new piece of understanding simply another layer beneath which we find more layers and yet more.

Of any angler past or present, Roderick Haig-Brown certainly came closer than most to discovering the deeper secrets of the world under water. He systematically explored the rivers, streams, and estuaries around his adopted home in Campbell River, on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. His writings record a lifetime of insights into the rhythms, patterns, and surprises of river life.

I recently spent two weeks on Vancouver Island, a copy of Fisherman’s Fall often open on my lap as I drank coffee each morning, doing my best to learn and see and hear the way Haig-Brown did. I waded through thousands of pinks on the Campbell, swam with Chinook salmon on the Stamp, and watched coho chase my fly in an estuary I stumbled upon by accident, and which I’ll leave unnamed.

For a two week trip, I didn’t fish incredibly hard or even that often. It wasn’t a fishing trip–it was a vacation and there was hiking and snorkeling and surfing to be done as well. But I did sit on the side of the Gold River beneath a rain canopy and read about Haig-Brown raising summer steelhead nearby on his Steelhead Bee; I pulled out my tying kit and wrapped a few up of my own, small flies with light wings and tails and bodies of brown and orange floss, tied slim because of the low water, tied with orange because of the huge October caddis flying around my headlamp as I tied them. I fished the flies the next morning and though I didn’t find a summer run in the low water, I watched yearling steelhead dash repeatedly at the fly, observed their rises intently, marveled at their tenacity and abandon and absolute determination.

And I thought of Haig-Brown, in his study overlooking the Line Fence Pool on the Campbell, watching the coho and steelhead fry in his aquarium, giving them funny names like “Number 1.” I thought of him with mask and snorkel on, drifting over spawned out pinks in the eddy near his home or watching the coho yearlings rise to insects. I imagined him sitting on a rock, changing flies, watching the water flow by, unraveling the mystery as best he could. Peeling back the layers. Scratching at the surface.

Somehow this seems to mean nothing to people. In general, when an object or living species is recognized as a iconic figure of a country, region or state, it is extremely rare if not never something of human manipulation or recreation. Yet here we are living in a state where the steelhead is quickly becoming just that, known more as a hatchery born and originated brat that the magnificent wild creature it became on its own.

Here is the latest on what might impact next years wild steelhead season here in Puget Sound:

Wild Versus Hatchery

Lawsuit Threatened Over Largest Hatchery Steelhead Program In Puget Sound

The Wild Fish Conservancy last week served notice that it, unless changes are made within the next 60 days, will sue the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for allowing what the conservation groups says are the illegal outplantings of so-called Chambers Creek hatchery steelhead in a variety of western Washington streams.

The Conservancy says that the outplantings of domesticated hatchery fish pose risk to wild stocks that are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The hatchery fish are intended for harvest.

Since the 2007 listing of Puget Sound steelhead, WDFW steelhead hatchery programs that employ Chambers Creek stock have continued to operate without permission from the NOAA Fisheries Service, the conservation group says. The Chambers Creek fish are produced at numerous WDFW facilities across Washington.

“The science is definite in that the planting of these domesticated hatchery fish is detrimental to protected wild fish,” said Kurt Beardslee, executive director of Wild Fish Conservancy. “Any release of Chambers Creek hatchery steelhead should be prohibited as incompatible with the recovery of wild Puget Sound steelhead and the perpetuation of their legacy.

“But at the very least any existing hatchery program must operate with an appropriate permit from NOAA Fisheries.”

Recent research in the Skagit River watershed confirms that Chambers Creek hatchery steelhead are mating with wild steelhead, according to the conservation group. The offspring of hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead are substantially less likely to survive in the wild, further depressing the already low numbers of wild steelhead.

The Skagit research is the latest of a growing number of studies that have concluded that the planting of domesticated hatchery steelhead has adverse effects on the health and resilience of wild steelhead, according to the Conservancy. The hatchery steelhead program of the Skagit River watershed is the largest in the Puget Sound region.

The conservation group says that, because juvenile hatchery steelhead are far larger than their wild counterparts, they prey on the juveniles of listed salmonids, compete for food, and attract predators. Hatchery facilities that block habitat and degrade water quality also cause problems for wild fish.

The 60-day notice says that, despite that recognition, wild Puget Sound steelhead populations have declined precipitously over the past 30 years: the average region-wide abundance between 1980 and 2004 was less than 4 percent of what it was in 1900. Since being listed as threatened under the ESA in 2007, Puget Sound wild steelhead abundance has continued to decline.

The recent five-year average is less than 3 percent of what it was in 1900. In 2010, scientists from the regional science center of the NOAA Fisheries Service concluded “in our opinion. Chambers Creek steelhead have no role in the recovery of native Puget Sound steelhead.”

The unpermitted Chambers Creek steelhead hatchery programs are the sole subject of the 60-day notice letter, because rather than aiding wild steelhead, these programs harm wild steelhead and prevent their recovery, the conservation group says.

The opportunity arose for taking a few days, mid week to excuse myself from society and all of its attachments by venturing off the grid on the Oregon coast in search of wild steelhead on a small, very difficult stream to access. I had been introduced to this little gem via a now good friend Conrad Gowell who had been courting me for a visit for a number of years, well the time had come. “This is not your average walk and wade trip or even hike in access steelhead trip. Quarters are tight and the only real trails are made by the likes of elk and bear and at best are broken into barely discernible fragments, can you handle that?” asked Conrad and of course the answer was “Yes!”, you can always bail if it gets too tough right?
I asked good friend Rob Masonis to join me on this little adventure as some of the history of this stream might be of interest to him as V.P. of Western Conservation for Trout Unlimited and Conrad knows the history of this place better than just about anyone. So we left Seattle at 5am watching with a critical eye as the weather pattern for the region was calling for some heavy rainfall. As it turned out, the rain landed squarely on the O.P. but left less than a trace where we were headed so water was low and clear…not ideal but better than the alternative. 6+ hours later we arrive at our meeting point with Conrad, unpack, gear up and head out for the river.

Within a few minutes we are on the water and this place is stunning…giant old growth forest carpeted with thick super green moss and little or no evidence of any human presence at all…and it is all ours.
As a life long steelhead angler who only enjoys swinging, small water like this presents new challenges and often times a fork in the road for many. This would easily be nymphable water but with some thought on what, how and where swinging is completely possible…certainly more of a challenge but worth the effort in my book, it is always worth that effort. Small water like this forces one to become a better fly angler by micro analyzing how to manage all facets of your presentation and approach and naturally engages your mind to a level of escapism from everything but the task at hand. My issue here is that I am also toting around about 60lbs of camera gear for the sake of documentation…fly rod or camera, fly rod or camera…

About a mile downstream we enter a tight gorge which requires a “hike” up and around to access some of the middle water. Well this ends up being more of a crawl, uphill breaking trail through Salmonberry, fern and the soft decay of the forest and as I periodically stop to watch and laugh at Rob (or myself more likely). I realize I am not the super human I once was and Conrad I am pretty sure is part elk or some other 4 legged animal that has evolved to ascend such terrain with ease making it evident that getting old sucks. Fingers full of thorns we reach the top and walk and spine to our point descent…keep in mind, what goes up must come down and this presents a whole new challenge.
This goes on for most of the day, one steelhead seen(spooked) and with daylight barely lingering we begin to escape up and out. We get to an old forest service road right about dark, exhausted and out of water with a 3 mile hike back to the starting point and as we walk and talk, we come to a sign that says 1 mile to…Rob and I both about fall over as it seems we have been walking for miles already. Once back at camp, Conrad confirms out assertion that we likely rose nearly 1000 vertical in about a quarter mile…on no trail! Legs burning we eat, enjoy some malted spirits and hit the sack exhausted, hoping to be up for the challenge again tomorrow!

Waking up, I have a much clearer picture of how to pack and what to bring for the day, more water, steri-pen, 3 flies instead of a huge box and have Conrad carry the underwater camera gear for me! That makes things much easier which turns out to be a big help on day 2 with some precarious situations ahead. No fresh rain over-night, Legs feel good, hearty breakfast and a drive to the lower river where we fish a mere 3 miles from the Pacific. Today begins with a serious hike down and in, no easy entry today and after the bushwhack of yesterday, hoping my Patty waders held up and be better than mesh today…amazingly, zero leaks, wahoo!!!
Again…incredible! Giant boulders make even stream-side transit a challenge and as I watch Conrad and Rob fish I take in all the other goodies that come from being deep in the wilderness. Fairly fresh cat prints and scat, signs of elk everywhere, a lizard Conrad has never seen and tis the “season” for the salamanders, hundreds mating in every little bit of still water they can find and as I watch, I think of how my daughter would be happy to waste an entire day in a 20 square yard section of where we are…that thought stays close for the rest of the day and will for life.
We move out of the 5th gorge and into a more open stretch and voila…3 chrome, almost opaque steelhead hanging behind a rock. Conrad turns one on his 3 cast which seems to put them off as they proceed to ignore our presence and our flies for the next hour as we trade off turns fishing and watching!
We end the day with an elk sighting, amazingly the one and only considering all the tracks around, a few sea run cutthroat to hand and just to remind us, a long and arduous hike out. All told, we likely hiked, crawled, scrambled, scaled, waded and slid a good 15 miles or more in 2 days over some rigorous terrain…all for a few cutthroat and the sight of 5 steelhead. Was it worth it, would we do it again, fish or no fish? No question…absolutely! Henry Van Dyke puts it perfectly: